Nutrition
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This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between lung function and body composition in cystic fibrosis (CF) and examine the presence of normal-weight obesity (NWO), a high body fat percentage with a normal body mass index (BMI), in this population. ⋯ Excess adiposity, particularly in the form of NWO, was inversely associated with lung function in CF. Larger prospective studies should be undertaken to confirm these findings and determine the long-term metabolic and clinical consequences of excess adiposity in CF. As the lifespan of individuals with CF increases, nutrition screening protocols, which primarily rely on BMI, may require reassessment.
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To determine whether overweight or obesity between 0 and 6 y increases the probability of developing general/central obesity at 7 y. ⋯ There is tracking not only of obesity but also of overweight after birth for developing general or central obesity at 7 y. Prevention should begin very early on.
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Serum folate levels and fatality among diabetic adults: A 15-y follow-up study of a national cohort.
Folate is involved in carbohydrate metabolism, a process that can have clinical implications regarding diabetes management. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between serum folate and fatality among adults with diabetes. ⋯ Results indicate that high serum folate concentrations are associated with an increased fatality risk among adults with diabetes. Further studies are warranted to determine the mechanism(s) of this phenomenon.
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Fatty acids are critical for pediatric neurodevelopment and are abnormal in autism, although prior studies have demonstrated conflicting results and methodological differences. To our knowledge, there are no published data on fatty acid in Canadian children with autism. The aim of this study was to investigate red blood cell and serum fatty acid status to identify whether abnormalities exist in Canadian children with autism, and to enhance future cross-study comparison. ⋯ Fatty acids in both serum and red blood cells were abnormal in this small group of Canadian children with autism than in controls, underlining a need for larger age- and sex-matched investigations in this community. A potential role for fatty acid abnormalities within the complex epigenetic etiology of autism is proposed in relation to emerging understanding of relationships between cobalamin metabolism, gut microbiota, and propionic acid production.
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Diet quality indices are used to assess dietary behavior and adherence to dietary guideline recommendations. The aim of this study was to develop, apply, and validate a Healthy Eating Index for Australian Adults (HEIFA-2013) based on the updated Dietary Guidelines for Australians 2013. ⋯ The HEIFA-2013 will need to be catered for different diet collection methods. It is a useful index of overall diet quality and can be used to monitor changes in dietary intake of adults over time. The findings infer that even a highly educated affluent group of young adults fails to meet recommended dietary guidelines.